Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)


Lt Col Reynolds
One procedure used by the Air Force to treat refractive errors is known as PRK, which stands for “photorefractive keratectomy.” Like other types of refractive surgery, the goal of PRK is to reshape the cornea so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina. Dr. Flemings, can you tell us more about photorefractive keratectomy?

Lt Col Flemings
Definitely, Dr. Reynolds. PRK is highly effective in correcting many cases of refractive error.

During the procedure, a numbing drop is placed in the eye, the area around the eye is cleaned, and an instrument called a lid speculum is used to hold the eyelids open. The next step is to remove the central epithelium using one of several techniques. An excimer laser, which delivers a pulsing beam of ultraviolet light, is then used to reshape the stroma of the cornea.

The procedure takes about 10 minutes for both eyes. In a relatively short time after the procedure, usually three to four days, the epithelium will heal over the exposed area.